Rotary Roundup: Rotarians take a step in right direction for lupus
Members of the Rotary Club of Twinsburg helped make the 12th-annual Walk for Lupus, conducted at the Brecksville Reservation Sept. 25, a huge success.
The 5K (3.1 miles), sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Cleveland Chapter, raised nearly $10,000 for the foundation.
Annually, the local Rotary Club donates to the foundation in memory of deceased Rotarian Terry Tyson and his wife, Laura, who died of complications from the disease.
Terry had almost 40 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club's weekly meeting. This is an incredible feat and testament to his dedication to Rotary. Walking in the Tysons' memory were longtime Rotarians Guy Gentile, Cindy Leonard and David Wonsetler.
Wonsetler has been a staff member of the Lupus Foundation for 16 years and first introduced the walk to the Rotary Club of Twinsburg.
"The foundation is most appreciative of the club's involvement over the years, which helps us sponsor support groups, health fairs, educational seminars and public meetings about the often misunderstood disease of lupus," Wonsetler writes.
"The club has lived up to Rotary International's motto of 'Service Above Self.'"
Lupus is a chronic, auto-immune disease that can damage any part of the body by attacking the immune system. For more information about lupus and the foundation, call 440-717-0183 or visit www.lupuscleveland.org. A free package is available.
Rotary is a volunteer organization of 1.2 million businesses and professional leaders who work to provide world-wide humanitarian service.
About 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries work to remedy illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water and environmental concerns.
The Rotary Club of Twinsburg meets every Wednesday at noon at Marcelita's restaurant and welcomes anyone to find out about the club.
Contact membership co-chair Jason Werny at 614-787-7634 for more information.